He was immense again in the face of Wilfried Zaha’s pace and Christian Benteke’s physicality - producing a defensive display that stood out on a day when City were sublime in attack.

Guardiola has mused about what might have been if Gabriel Jesus had been available all season - but what about Kompany?

He is one of those players who improves those around him.

In a season when City’s defence has been crying out for leadership, his absence has been profound.

Kompany's form has been a defiant response to suggestions his career is over

Guardiola still plans to sign at least one centre back this summer - and given Kompany's injury record over the past three years, it is understandable.

But Belgian won’t be pushed aside without a fight.

Mind games

Less than 24 hours after suggesting Jose Mourinho was engaging in psychological warfare over his claims that he will sacrifice a top four finish for the Europa League - Guardiola dabbled in a touch of mind games himself.

Asked on Friday about the fitness of Silva - he was far from enthusiastic about the Spaniard’s chances of being involved against Palace.

Perhaps he made a miraculous recovery from a knee injury overnight, but he was in the starting line up against Sam Allardyce’s side and popped up to score within two minutes.